Tests conducted by Iva were wrong: Rane

06 Nov 201805:34am IST

06 Nov 201805:34am IST

Report byTeam Herald

PANJIM: For the first time Health Minister Vishwajit Rane is come on record stating that the tests Schiff’s Reagent test conducted by Iva Fernandes was wrong and not as per law.

“Schiff's Reagent are used for general aldehydes and she did tests as per Schiff’s reagent which are not as per guidelines,” he said.

Rane said that even the FSSAI officers say it is not right test to check folmaldehyde.

“No officer has the business to do what he/she wants and create fear in the minds of the people. If somebody is wrong I can suspend and send the person home straight,” he said.

Asked whether he would suspend Iva, he said, “I never said that, we have instituted an inquiry and the matter is sub-judice so I can’t speak much.”

But, he continued, when u have a different test for formaldehyde then do that when create fear in minds of people.

“The government is serious on the issue and therefore we have banned the import of fish,” he said.

Further, Rane said that he is getting calls from everyone to restart imports.

“The decision on ban is final we will not be bogged down by any kind of pressure, protests or rallies,” he said.

On fisher-folks demand for FDA licences in every market, he said, “that is fine but let them register with FDA first.”

“I cannot understand why they are not following the guidelines? They have to register with FDA and import fish in insulated vehicles, that it,” he stated adding the government is serious on the issue and is putting independent agencies like EIA and QIC for checks.